My eight-month-old loves to stand. Are his bones ready?

It’s true that babies’ bones are softer than adult ones. But this does not stop babies from enjoying, and benefiting from, early supported bouncing on their parents’ knees.

Most babies can bear weight on their legs, if supported, by the time they are eight months old.

At this age, your baby may even start to pull himself up, using the furniture for support, and then cruise around your house. Shortly after this, he may take his first few steps while holding on to your hands. This is fine for your baby if he wants to do it. In fact, you may find it difficult to stop him once he’s got the hang of it!

Make sure you give your baby plenty of physical support, by holding his hands or supporting him under the arms. Let him set the pace of bouncing or walking. If he gets tired or seems cross, stop and try again later.

Every baby is different, and some reach physical milestones earlier or later than other babies the same age. Talk to your health visitor if you have any questions or concerns, or if your baby isn’t standing with support by his first birthday.

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Comments

My baby girl is 8months old today and she loves to stand with the support of chairs around unassisted and wouldnt want to seat afterwards. she now crawls and loves to explore the house looking for her older ones and Mummy + Aunty Yetty of course ....so great to see her go through all the milestones....

My baby doesn't seem to see the need to walk! She just rolls everywhere :-/ I've tried putting her favourite toys out of her reach, she simply topples over from her sitting position and rolls over to her toy. Is this okay?

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